VLGA President’s Message
Last week, I wrote an Opinion Piece by invitation from the Herald Sun, focusing on the important contribution councillors make to their communities. As the third tier of Australian government, local government delivers a wide variety of services that are essential to our lives and well-being. I love what I do and being a representative for my community. I made a choice to run for council, and am delighted to be serving my second term. I take my role extremely seriously and I therefore think it is worth providing a profile and some context for the community, about the role of councillors. As a follow up to this piece, our CEO Maree McPherson was interviewed by Derryn Hinch on 3AW Drive on Wednesday afternoon. This past week, we have continued to see the Victorian Farmers’ Federation (VFF) in the media taking a swing at local governments about rates. At the VLGA, we feel the debate about rate reform is not assisted by taking a swipe at local governments. It would be far more productive to look at the equity of revenue raising mechanisms rather than looking at the ways in which councils expend their revenue. Criticising councils for planning for climate change adaptation, especially in areas where farmers face the impacts on their businesses, or where the community will be faced with sea level rises, seems counterproductive. I reiterate my point from last week about the already limited capacity of councils to set rates at levels appropriate to meet their policy goals. The rates discussion in eNews generated a lot of member e-mails and phone calls last week and we thank you for your comments, which we will use to support our work on sector development and reform. The school holidays have now come to an end, and I’m back on deck again, so please don’t hesitate to email or give me a call on 0407 364 509 if there’s anything you wish to discuss. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
New zones for homes
Planning continues to feature in the news. Planning Minister Mathew Guy made another announcement last week on significant changes to the state’s residential, commercial, industrial and rural planning zones. The changes will delete nine of the current zones for residential, business and priority development and merge these into five new zones. Residential zones will provide three degrees of control over new development ranging from the growth zoning which will permit high-density development, the general residential zone which will permit some growth and the more restrictive neighbourhood residential zone. There will also be significant changes to commercial and rural zones. Local governments will be responsible for implementing these new zones once they commence in October 2012. Local governments and community members will be able to provide feedback on these changes until 21 September. Some details on the changes and the consultative process are available here. Planning decisions at VCAT were also prominent last week, with the tribunal awarding a permit for a mixed use development in Armadale containing 466 dwellings. The ruling overturned the decision made by Stonnington Council to reject the application in January. The decision has been disappointing for local residents and serves as an example of how challenging the process of increasing housing density has become.
Last week, I wrote an Opinion Piece by invitation from the Herald Sun, focusing on the important contribution councillors make to their communities. As the third tier of Australian government, local government delivers a wide variety of services that are essential to our lives and well-being. I love what I do and being a representative for my community. I made a choice to run for council, and am delighted to be serving my second term. I take my role extremely seriously and I therefore think it is worth providing a profile and some context for the community, about the role of councillors. As a follow up to this piece, our CEO Maree McPherson was interviewed by Derryn Hinch on 3AW Drive on Wednesday afternoon. This past week, we have continued to see the Victorian Farmers’ Federation (VFF) in the media taking a swing at local governments about rates. At the VLGA, we feel the debate about rate reform is not assisted by taking a swipe at local governments. It would be far more productive to look at the equity of revenue raising mechanisms rather than looking at the ways in which councils expend their revenue. Criticising councils for planning for climate change adaptation, especially in areas where farmers face the impacts on their businesses, or where the community will be faced with sea level rises, seems counterproductive. I reiterate my point from last week about the already limited capacity of councils to set rates at levels appropriate to meet their policy goals. The rates discussion in eNews generated a lot of member e-mails and phone calls last week and we thank you for your comments, which we will use to support our work on sector development and reform. The school holidays have now come to an end, and I’m back on deck again, so please don’t hesitate to email or give me a call on 0407 364 509 if there’s anything you wish to discuss. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
New zones for homes
Planning continues to feature in the news. Planning Minister Mathew Guy made another announcement last week on significant changes to the state’s residential, commercial, industrial and rural planning zones. The changes will delete nine of the current zones for residential, business and priority development and merge these into five new zones. Residential zones will provide three degrees of control over new development ranging from the growth zoning which will permit high-density development, the general residential zone which will permit some growth and the more restrictive neighbourhood residential zone. There will also be significant changes to commercial and rural zones. Local governments will be responsible for implementing these new zones once they commence in October 2012. Local governments and community members will be able to provide feedback on these changes until 21 September. Some details on the changes and the consultative process are available here. Planning decisions at VCAT were also prominent last week, with the tribunal awarding a permit for a mixed use development in Armadale containing 466 dwellings. The ruling overturned the decision made by Stonnington Council to reject the application in January. The decision has been disappointing for local residents and serves as an example of how challenging the process of increasing housing density has become.
Community and Social Planners’ Network
The VLGA is pleased to be partnering with the Department of Planning and Community Development’s Office of the Community Sector, to develop a schedule of professional development activities for the CASPN membership. A series of workshops and seminars will be in place to lead good practice and enhance skills for community and social planners across Victorian local governments throughout 2012-13. Stay tuned for more information!
ALGWA Study Award – opportunity for women officers
The Victorian Branch of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association Annual Study Award encourages and assists women in the local government sector to further their education. The Study Award is open to permanent members of staff in a Victorian local government. The Award is given in memory of past State and National President of ALGWA, Marie Wallace OAM JP. The applicant must be currently studying at a Diploma level or higher, at a recognised tertiary institution, on a part time or full time basis and must demonstrate the ability to make a positive contribution to their area of employment and to their employer through further tertiary study. The studies undertaken must be directly related to the applicant’s field of employment. Applications close Monday 27 August 2012. Email for further enquiries.
Review of National Parks Regulations
The National Parks (Park) Regulations 2003 are due to expire or ‘sunset’ on 24 June 2013. The Department of Sustainability and Environment is proposing that these principle regulations be consolidated with the National Parks (Cape Howe Marine National Park) Regulations 2006 and the Department is reviewing these regulations with an aim to replace them before the sunset date. Email through your comments by 3 August.
Food insecurity in our cities
A recent article in The Conversation by Professor Paul Burton from Griffith University provides a very good overview of the issues driving increasing food insecurity in our cities, along with the difficulties associated with addressing them. He examines the move towards the re-localisation of food production and the expansion of urban agriculture. The issues raised by Professor Burton around food security relate directly to the work currently being done by the VLGA in our Resilient Neighbourhoods project funded through the Victorian Government’s Victorian Local Sustainability Accord.
Healthy Foods for Healthy Communities
The HealthWest Food Security Network has released Healthy Foods for Healthy Communities – Issues of food access and availability in the west, a report canvassing key food security issues in the HealthWest catchment. The report will be particularly useful for local government planners, health promotion workers, program developers, quality improvement officers and others who will be able to use the data to inform food security advocacy, policy, planning and program development.
Seeing waste as a resource
With significant focus by VLGA members on waste management issues, we thought members might be interested in the release of this report – A baseline study of Australia’s community recycling enterprises (CRE). Australia’s Community Recycling Enterprises (CREs) divert 152,000 tonnes of waste each year, employ 1500 people and contribute over $56 million to the regional economy. A national study by the Queensland University of Technology has demonstrated that the reuse of disused resources has the potential to create a new industry sector providing jobs for Australia’s most disadvantaged jobseekers.
New Executive Officer for CHFV
VLGA members, the Community Housing Federation of Victoria (CHFV) have appointed their new Executive Officer. Welcome to Lesley Dredge. Lesley developed a passion for housing while working for Aged and Community Services Australia - the national peak body for not for profit aged care providers. As part of her role, Lesley developed policy and worked closely with providers to improve housing options for older Australians.
Pam Keating Award open
The Waste Management Association of Australia (WMAA) Pam Keating Award recognises the contribution of the late Pam Keating (1954-2009) across a number of sectors in the environment industry in Victoria. The Pam Keating Award will be awarded to a woman who has made a significant contribution to the Victorian environment industry, with a particular focus on the areas reflecting Pam's involvement. The winner will receive an amount of $1,500 to be used for the purposes of professional development. This may include a course of study, attendance at environmental conferences/seminars or other relevant applications. There is no age limit on nominees, but they must demonstrate they have at least 2 years’ experience in the environment industry. Nominations for the Award must be submitted on the nomination form and sent by email. Nominations must be received by 4.00pm on Friday 31 August 2012.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
Applying Human Rights Locally: Reporting what you are doing
Thursday 26 July, 9am-1pm
RMIT Building 13 (Emily McPherson Building), Level 3, Multipurpose Room, Cnr Victoria Parade and Russell St, Melbourne
RSVP 23 July
A valuable workshop for local government officers who are charged with the responsibility to complete the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission Annual Survey, and for local government managers or councillors with an interest in human rights at the local level. Facilitated by the Australian Centre for Human Rights Education and the VLGA, this practical workshop will focus on how to complete the Survey, considering both its requirements and the council approval process. To register, contact 9349 7999 or send email.
‘Y’ Council?
Thursday 26 July, 5-7pm
Melbourne Town Hall, Swanston St, Melbourne
RSVP by 19 July
AND
Thursday 9 August, 5-7pm
Bendigo Town Hall
195-229 Lyttleton Tce, Bendigo
RSVP by 2 August
Are you interested in running for council in 2012?
Are you aged between 16-25?*
Are you interested in politics?
The VLGA and the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic) are teaming up to run a free interactive forum in Melbourne and Bendigo for any young people who are thinking about running for local government in the 2012 local government elections or in the future. Participants will have a chance to ask questions of young councillors in a Q&A session, followed by an opportunity to debate council motions on controversial issues and then amend and vote for them. These are FREE events and refreshments will be provided.
*Note: you cannot run for council until you are 18, but you are still very welcome to come along!
VLGA Events
Applying Human Rights Locally: Reporting what you are doing
Thursday 26 July, 9am-1pm
RMIT Building 13 (Emily McPherson Building), Level 3, Multipurpose Room, Cnr Victoria Parade and Russell St, Melbourne
RSVP 23 July
A valuable workshop for local government officers who are charged with the responsibility to complete the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission Annual Survey, and for local government managers or councillors with an interest in human rights at the local level. Facilitated by the Australian Centre for Human Rights Education and the VLGA, this practical workshop will focus on how to complete the Survey, considering both its requirements and the council approval process. To register, contact 9349 7999 or send email.
‘Y’ Council?
Thursday 26 July, 5-7pm
Melbourne Town Hall, Swanston St, Melbourne
RSVP by 19 July
AND
Thursday 9 August, 5-7pm
Bendigo Town Hall
195-229 Lyttleton Tce, Bendigo
RSVP by 2 August
Are you interested in running for council in 2012?
Are you aged between 16-25?*
Are you interested in politics?
The VLGA and the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic) are teaming up to run a free interactive forum in Melbourne and Bendigo for any young people who are thinking about running for local government in the 2012 local government elections or in the future. Participants will have a chance to ask questions of young councillors in a Q&A session, followed by an opportunity to debate council motions on controversial issues and then amend and vote for them. These are FREE events and refreshments will be provided.
*Note: you cannot run for council until you are 18, but you are still very welcome to come along!
August Leading Edge Forum – ‘Running and winning issue campaigns’
Thursday 2 August, 6-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
Local government elections provide an opportunity for local issues to be considered and debated. This Leading Edge Forum will explore how you can get your issue on the local agenda. We invite you to join us for this special Leading Edge Forum, featuring international community campaigns author and practitioner, Tony Milne. Register online or phone (03) 9349 7999 to RSVP.
Candidate Workshop – ‘Practicalities between now and E-day’
Tuesday 7 August, 5.30-8.30pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester St Carlton
This workshop is designed for candidates running in the October 2012 local government elections who want to learn about the practical work to be done before Election Day. The workshop will include tip sheets to take away, how to prepare your 150-word candidate statement, and a chance to hear from people with experience and success in campaigning at the local government level – what works and what doesn’t. Download the flyer and registration form here and register quickly as places are limited.
VLGA Facebook updates this week
Don’t forget to visit the VLGA Facebook page to stay up-to-date with VLGA news and activities. This week we discuss VLGA President Cr Samantha Dunn’s Opinion Piece for the Herald Sun newspaper and follow CEO Maree McPherson to the Latrobe Regional Valley to attend the Peggy Stevenson Annual Tribute. Link through to exciting upcoming events at the VLGA including the interactive Candidate Workshop and our August Leading Edge Forum Running and Winning Issue Campaigns featuring Tony Milne.
Other Events
Hope talks: the social environment and youth suicide
Despite appearances of prosperity, we are losing our young people at an alarming rate. Continual cyber bullying, long term mental illness, family breakdown, increasing lack of hope and a pervasive feeling of being overwhelmed. P4T (Partnering for Transformation), YFC, Sophia Think Tank and the Australian Media Engagement Project are hosting conversations aimed at raising awareness and moving towards solutions.
Urban Conversation - FREE
Sunday 29 July, 6pm
Café Hamodava, Westwood Place (near 614 Bourke St) Melbourne
RSVP by 26 July via email specifying this event, OR
World Café Facilitated Conversation - $30 per person
Tuesday 4 September, 9.30am-4pm
Venue TBC
RSVP by 30 July via email specifying this event.
Law Enforcement and Public Health conference (LEPH2012)
11-14 November
Melbourne
This important event, the first international conference on law enforcement and public health, will take place in Melbourne. More details, including the draft program are here.
Thursday 2 August, 6-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
Local government elections provide an opportunity for local issues to be considered and debated. This Leading Edge Forum will explore how you can get your issue on the local agenda. We invite you to join us for this special Leading Edge Forum, featuring international community campaigns author and practitioner, Tony Milne. Register online or phone (03) 9349 7999 to RSVP.
Candidate Workshop – ‘Practicalities between now and E-day’
Tuesday 7 August, 5.30-8.30pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester St Carlton
This workshop is designed for candidates running in the October 2012 local government elections who want to learn about the practical work to be done before Election Day. The workshop will include tip sheets to take away, how to prepare your 150-word candidate statement, and a chance to hear from people with experience and success in campaigning at the local government level – what works and what doesn’t. Download the flyer and registration form here and register quickly as places are limited.
VLGA Facebook updates this week
Don’t forget to visit the VLGA Facebook page to stay up-to-date with VLGA news and activities. This week we discuss VLGA President Cr Samantha Dunn’s Opinion Piece for the Herald Sun newspaper and follow CEO Maree McPherson to the Latrobe Regional Valley to attend the Peggy Stevenson Annual Tribute. Link through to exciting upcoming events at the VLGA including the interactive Candidate Workshop and our August Leading Edge Forum Running and Winning Issue Campaigns featuring Tony Milne.
Other Events
Hope talks: the social environment and youth suicide
Despite appearances of prosperity, we are losing our young people at an alarming rate. Continual cyber bullying, long term mental illness, family breakdown, increasing lack of hope and a pervasive feeling of being overwhelmed. P4T (Partnering for Transformation), YFC, Sophia Think Tank and the Australian Media Engagement Project are hosting conversations aimed at raising awareness and moving towards solutions.
Urban Conversation - FREE
Sunday 29 July, 6pm
Café Hamodava, Westwood Place (near 614 Bourke St) Melbourne
RSVP by 26 July via email specifying this event, OR
World Café Facilitated Conversation - $30 per person
Tuesday 4 September, 9.30am-4pm
Venue TBC
RSVP by 30 July via email specifying this event.
Law Enforcement and Public Health conference (LEPH2012)
11-14 November
Melbourne
This important event, the first international conference on law enforcement and public health, will take place in Melbourne. More details, including the draft program are here.
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